THE DENTISTS ACT, 1948 

(16 OF 1948) 

(As modified up to the 1st July 1987) 

[Subordinate legislation being published separately.] 

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 

Ministry of Law and Justice 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE DENTISTS ACT, 1948 

(16 of 1948) 
(As modified up to the 1st July, 1987) 

ERRATA 

Page 1- In Chapter II, against section 16A, for “with awal” read "withdrawal". 

Page 3- In marginal heading to section 5, for "election" read "elections". 

Page 4- After foot-note 2, insert ‘3subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 6 for "Principal or Vice-

principal" (w.e.f. 1-11-1972)’. 

Page 6- In sub-section (4), in clause (a), in line 3, for "qualications" read "qualifications". 

Page 10- In section 20, in sub-section (1), in line 3, for "o carry" read "to carry". 

- In sub-section (4), in line 5, for "House" read "Houses". 

- Omit foot-note 5. 

Page 16- In Proviso 3, in clause (a), in line1, for "Saurashtra" read "of Saurashtra". 

Page 17- In Section 34, in clause (a), in line 4, for "practice" read "practise". 

Page 23- In Section 50, in line 1, for "form" read "from". 

Page 30- In Part III of the Schedule, in column 1, in serial No. 5, in line 2, for "U.K.)"  

   read "(U.K.)". 

________________ 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIST OF AMENDING ACTS AND ADAPTATION ORDERS 

1.  

2.  

3. 

4.  

5.  

6.  

7.  

8.  

The Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950. 

The Dentists (Amendment) Act, 1950 (58 of 1950) 

 Madras Adaptation of Laws Order, 1954. 

The Dentists (Amendment) Act, 1955 (12 of 1955). 

The Adaptation of Laws (No. 3) Order, 1956. 

The Repealing and Amending Act, 1957 (36 of 1957). 

The Dentists (Amendment) Act, 1972 (42 of 1972). 

The Delegated Legislation Provisions (Amendment) Act, 1986 (4 of 1986). 

_________ 

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS USED 

A.O. 1950.....................................for  Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950. 

A.O. (No. 3) 1956........................  ”  Adaptation of Laws (No. 3) Order, 1956. 

Cl. ................................................ ,,  Clause. 

Ins. .............................................. ,, 

Inserted. 

Pt. ............................................... ,,  Part. 

Reg. ............................................ ,,  Regulation. 

Rep. ............................................ ,,  Repealed. 

S. 
Sec   ............................................ ,,  Section. 

Sch. ............................................ ,,  Schedule. 

Subs. .......................................... ,,  Substituted. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE DENTISTS ACT, 1948 
____________ 

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS 
____________ 

CHAPTER I 
INTRODUCTORY 

SECTIONS 

1.  Short title and extent. 
2.  Interpretation. 
2A. Construction of references to laws not in force in Jammu and Kashmir. 

CHAPTER II 
DENTAL COUNCIL OF INDIA 

3.  Constitution and composition of council. 
4.  Incorporation of Council. 
5.  Mode of election. 
6.  Term of office and casual vacancies. 
7.  President and Vice-President of Council. 
8.  Staff remuneration and allowances. 
9.  The Executive Committee. 
10.  Recognition of dental qualifications. 
10A. Permission for establishment of new dental college, new courses of study, etc. 
10B. Non-recognition of dental qualifications in certain cases. 
10C. Time for seeking permission for certain existing authorities. 
11.  Qualifications of dental hygienists. 
12.  Qualifications of dental mechanics. 
13.  Effect of recognition. 
14.  Power to require information as to courses of study and training and examinations. 
15.  Inspection. 
15A. Appointment of Visitors. 
16.  Withdrawal of recognition. 
16A.Withdrawal of recognition of recognised dental qualification. 
17.  Mode of declarations. 
17A. Professional conduct. 
18.  The Indian Register. 
19.  Information to be furnished. 
20.  Power to make regulations. 

CHAPTER III 
STATE DENTAL COUNCILS 

21.  Constitution and Composition of State Councils. 
22.  Inter-State agreements. 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
SECTIONS 

23.  Composition of Joint State Councils. 
24.  Incorporation of State Councils. 
25.  President and Vice-President of State Council. 
26.  Mode of elections. 
27.  Term of office and casual vacancies. 
28.  Staff, remuneration and allowances. 
29.  Executive Committee. 
30.  Information to be furnished. 

CHAPTER IV 
REGISTRATION 

31.  Preparation and maintenance of register. 
32.  First preparation of register. 
33.  Qualifications for entry on first preparation of register. 
34.  Qualification for subsequent registration. 
35.  Scrutiny of applications for registration. 
35A. Special provision for amending the register of dentists. 
36.  Registers of dental hygienists and dental mechanics. 
37.  Qualification for registration as a dental hygienist. 
38.  Qualification for registration as a dental mechanic. 
39.  Renewal fees. 
40.  Entry of additional qualifications. 
41.  Removal from register. 
42.  Restoration to register. 
43.  Bar of jurisdiction. 
44.  Issue of duplicate certificates. 
45.  Printing of registers. 
46.  Effect of registration. 
46A.Transfer of registration. 

CHAPTER V 
MISCELLANEOUS 

47.  Penalty for falsely claiming to be registered. 
48.  Misuse of titles. 
49.  Practice by unregistered persons. 
50.  Failure to surrender certificate of registration. 
51.  Companies not to engage in dentistry. 
52.  Cognizance of offences. 
53.  Payment of part of fees to Council. 
53A. Accounts and audit. 
54.  Appointment of Commission of Enquiry. 
55.  Power to make rules. 
THE SCHEDULE 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
THE DENTISTS ACT, 1948 
ACT NO. 16 OF 19481  

An Act to regulate the profession of dentistry. 

WHEREAS it is expedient to make provision for the regulation of the profession of dentistry and for 

that purpose to constitute Dental Councils: 

[29th March, 1948.] 

CHAPTER I 

INTRODUCTORY 

1. Short title and extent.—(1) This Act may be called the Dentists Act, 1948. 
(2) It extends to 2[the whole of India 3***.] 

2. Interpretation.—In this Act, Unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,— 

(a) “the Council” means the Dental Council of India constituted under section 3; 

(b) “dental hygienist” means a person not being a dentist or a medical practitioner, who scales, 

cleans or polishes teeth, or gives instruction in dental hygiene; 

(c) “dental mechanic” means a person who makes or repairs denture and dental appliances; 

(d) “dentistry” includes— 

(i)  the  performance  of  any  operation  on,  and  the  treatment  on  any  disease,  deficiency  or 
lesion  of,  human  teeth  or  jaws,  and  the  performance  of  radiographic  work  in  connection  with 
human teeth or jaws or the oral cavity; 

(ii) the giving of any anaesthetic in connection with any such operation or treatment; 

(iii)  the  mechanical  construction  or  the  renewal  of  artificial  dentures  or  restorative  dental 

appliances; 

(iv) the performance of any operation on, or the giving of any treatment, advice or attendance 
to, any person preparatory to, or for the purpose of, or in connection with, the fitting, inserting, 
fixing, constructing, repairing or renewing of artificial dentures or restorative dental appliances, 
and  the  performance  of  any  such  operation  and  the  giving  of  any  such  treatment,  advice  or 
attendance, as is usually performed or given by dentists; 

(e) “dentist” means a person who practises dentistry; 

(f)  “medical  practitioner”  means  a  person  who  holds  a  qualification  granted  by  an  authority 
specified  or  notified  under  section  3  of  the  Indian  Medical  Degrees  Act,  1916  (7  of  1916),  or 
specified in the Schedules to the 4[Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 (102 of 1956),] 5[or specified in 
any other law for the time being in force in any State,] or who practises any system of medicine and is 
registered or is entitled to be registered in any 6[State] medical register by whatever name called; 

(g) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules or regulations made under this Act; 

1. The Act has been amended in:— 
West Bengal by West Bengal Act 26 of 1959, Madras by Madras A.O. 1961 and Orissa by Orissa Act 20 of 1972. 
The Act has been extended to:— 
Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Regulation 6 of 1963, s. 2 and the First Schedule., Goa, Daman and Diu by Regulation 11 of 1963,  
s.  3    and  the  Schedule  and  comes  into  force  in  Pondicherry  with  modification  by  Regulation  7  of  1963,  s.  3  and  the  First 
Schedule. (w.e.f. 1-10-1963). 
2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “all the Provinces of India”. 
3. The words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
4. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for “Indian Medical Council Act, 1933 (27 of 1933)” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
5. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 3. 
6. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 

3 

 
                                                           
(h) “1[State] Council” means a 1[State] Dental Council constituted under section 21, and includes 

a Joint 1[State] Council constituted in accordance with an agreement under section 22; 

(i) “register” means a register maintained under this Act; 
2[(j) “recognised dental qualification” means any of the qualifications included in the Schedule;] 

(k)  “recognised  dental  hygiene  qualification”  means  a  qualification  recognised  by  the  Council 

under section 11; 

(l) “registered dentist”, “registered dental hygienist” and “registered dental mechanic” shall mean, 
respectively, a person whose name is for the time being registered in a register of dentists, a register 
of dental hygienists and a register of dental mechanics. 

3* 

* 

 * 

 * 

 * 

4[2A. Construction of references to laws not in force in Jammu and Kashmir.—Any reference in 
this Act to a law which is not in force in the State of Jammu and Kashmir shall, in relation to that State, 
be construed as a reference to the corresponding law, if any, in force in that State.]  

CHAPTER II 

DENTAL COUNCIL OF INDIA 

3.  Constitution  and  composition  of  council.—The  Central  Government  shall,  as  soon  as  may  be, 

constitute a Council consisting of the following members, namely:— 

(a)  one  registered  dentist  possessing  a  recognised  dental  qualification  elected  by  the  dentists 

registered in Part A of each 1[State] register; 

(b)  one  member  elected  from  amongst  themselves  by  the  members  of  the  Medical  Council  of 

India; 

5[6[(c) not more than four members elected from among themselves, by— 

(a) Principals, Deans, Directors and Vice-Principals of dental colleges in the States training 

students for recognised dental qualifications: 

Provided that not more than one member shall be elected from the same dental college; 

(b) Heads of dental wings of medical colleges in the States training students for recognised 

dental qualifications;] 

(d) one member from each University established by law in the States which grants a recognised 
dental  qualification,  to  be  elected  by  the  members  of  the  Senate  of  the  University,  or  in  case  the 
University  has  no  Senate,  by  the  members  of  the  court,  from  amongst  the  members  of  the  Dental 
Faculty of the University or in case the University has no Dental Faculty, from amongst the members 
of the Medical Faculty thereof; 

(e) one member to represent 7[each State 8***] nominated by the Government of each such State 

from among persons registered either in a medical register or a dental register of the State;] 

9[Explanation.—In this clause, “State” does not include a Union territory;] 

(f) six members nominated by the Central Government, of whom at least one shall be a registered 
dentist  possessing  a  recognised  dental  qualification  and  practising  or  holding  an  appointment  in  an 

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
2. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 3, for clause (j) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
3. Omitted by s. 3, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
4. Ins. by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
5. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 4, for clauses (c), (d) and (e). 
6. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, for clause (c) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
7. Subs. by the A.O. (No. 3), 1956, for “each Part A State and Part B State other than the State of Jammu and Kashmir”. 
8. Omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 5 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
9. Added by s. 5, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 

4 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
institution  for  the  training  of  dentists  in  a  1[Union  territory]  and  at  least  two  shall  be  dentists 
registered in Part B of a 2[State] register; 

3[(g) the Director General of Health Services, ex officio;] 
Provided that pending the preparation of registers the  2[State] Governments may nominate to the 
first Council members referred to in parts (a) and (e) and the Central Government members referred 
to  in  part  (f)  out  of  persons  who  are  eligible  for  registration  in  the  respective  registers  and  such 
persons shall hold office for such period as the 2[State] or Central Government may, by notification in 
the Official Gazette, specify. 

4.  Incorporation  of  Council.—The  Council  shall  be  a  body  corporate  by  the  name  of  the  Dental 
Council  of  India,  having  perpetual  succession  and  a  common  seal,  with  power  to  acquire  and  hold 
property, both movable and immovable, and shall by the said name sue and be sued. 

5. Mode of elections.—Elections under this Chapter shall be conducted in the prescribed manner, and 
where  any  dispute  arises  regarding  any  such  election,  it  shall  be  referred  to  the  Central  Government 
whose decision shall be final. 

6. Term of office and casual vacancies.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section an elected or 
nominated member shall hold office for a term of five years from the date of his election or nomination or 
until his successor has been duly elected or nominated, whichever is longer: 

4[Provided that a member nominated under clause (e) or clause (f) section 3, shall hold office during 

the pleasure of the authority nominating him.] 

(2)  An  elected  or  nominated  member  may  at  any  time  resign  his  membership  by  writing  under  his 

hand addressed to the President and the seat of such member shall thereupon become vacant. 

(3) An elected or nominated member shall be deemed to have vacated his seat if he is absent without 
excuse, sufficient in the opinion of the Council, from three consecutive ordinary meetings of the Council 
or, in the case of a member whose name is required to be included in a  2[State] register, if his name is 
removed from such register, or if he has been elected under clause (c) of section 3  5[if he ceases to hold 
his appointment as the 6[Principal, Dean, Director or Vice-Principal] of a dental college, or as 7[the Head 
Head of the dental wing] of a medical college, or if he has been elected under clause (b) or (d) of section 
3, if he ceases to be a member of the Medical Council of India or 8[the Dental or Medical Faculty] of the 
University, as the case may be. 

(4) A casual vacancy in the Council shall be filled by fresh election or nomination, as the case may 
be, and the person elected or nominated to fill the vacancy shall hold office only for the remainder of the 
term for which the member whose place he takes was elected or nominated. 

(5) Members of the Council shall be eligible for re-election or re-nomination. 

(6) No act done by the Council shall be called in question on the ground merely of the existence of 

any vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of, the Council. 

7. President and Vice-President of Council.—(1) The President and Vice-President of the Council 

shall be elected by the members thereof from among themselves: 

Provided that on the first constitution of the Council and until the President is elected, a member of 
the  Council  nominated  by  the  Central  Government  in  this  behalf  shall  discharge  the  functions  of  the 
President: 

1. Subs. by the A.O. (No. 3), 1956, for “Part C State”. 
2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
3. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 4. 
4. Added by Act 42 of 1972, s. 6 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
5. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 5, for “if he ceases to hold his appointment as head of a college”. 
6. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 6, for “Principal or Vice-Principal” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
7. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 6, for “a Professor of dental surgery” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
8. Subs. by s. 5, ibid., for “the Medical Faculty”. 

5 

 
                                                           
Provided further that for five years from the first constitution of the Council, the President shall, if the 
Central Government so decides, be a person nominated by the Central Government, who shall hold office 
during the pleasure of the Central Government, and where he is not already a member, shall be a member 
of the Council in addition to the members referred to in section 3. 

(2)  An  elected  President  or  Vice-President  shall  hold  office  as  such  for  a  term  not  exceeding  five 
years and not extending beyond the expiry of his term as member of the Council, but subject to his being 
a member of the Council, he shall be eligible for re-election.  

8. Staff remuneration and allowances.—(1) The Council shall— 

(a) appoint a Secretary who may also, if so decided by the Council, act as Treasurer; 

(b) appoint such other officers and servants as the Council deems necessary to enable it to carry 

out its functions under this Act; 

(c) require and take from the Secretary or from any other officer or servant such security for the 

due performance of his duties as the Council considers necessary; and 

(d)  with  the  previous  sanction  of  the  Central  Government,  fix  the  fees  and  allowances  of  the 
President, Vice-President and other members of the Council, and the pay and allowances and other 
conditions of service of officers and servants of the Council. 

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (a) of sub-section (1), for the first four years from 
the  first  constitution  of  the  Council,  the  Secretary  of  the  Council  shall  be  a  person  appointed  by  the 
Central Government, who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Central Government. 

9.The  Executive  Committee.—(1)  The  Council  shall  constitute  from  among  its  members  an 
Executive Committee, and may so constitute other Committees for such general or special purposes as the 
Council considers necessary for carrying out its functions under this Act. 

(2)  The  Executive  Committee  shall  consist  of  the  President  and  Vice-President  ex  officio  1[and  the 

Director-General of Health Services ex officio] and five other members elected by the Council. 

(3)  The  President  and  Vice-President  of  the  Council  shall  be  Chairman  and  Vice-Chairman, 

respectively, of the Executive Committee. 

(4) A member of the Executive Committee shall hold office as such until the expiry of his term of 
office as member of the Council but, subject to his being a member of the Council, he shall be eligible for 
re-election. 

(5)  In  addition  to  the  powers  and  duties  conferred  and  imposed  on  it  by  this  Act,  the  Executive 

Committee shall exercise and discharge such powers and duties as may be prescribed. 

2[10. Recognition of dental qualifications.—(1) The dental qualifications, granted by any authority 
or  institution  in  India,  which  are  included  in  Part  I  of  the  Schedule  shall  be  recognised  dental 
qualifications for the purposes of this Act. 

(2) Any authority or institution in India which grants a dental qualification not included in Part I of 
the Schedule may apply to the Central Government to have such qualification recognised and included in 
that Part, and the Central Government, after consulting the Council, and after such inquiry, if any, as it 
may think fit for the purpose, may, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend Part I of the Schedule so 
as to include such qualification therein, and any such notification may also direct that , an entry shall be 
made in Part I of Schedule against such dental qualification declaring that it shall be a recognised dental 
qualification only when granted after a specified date. 

(3)  (a)  The  dental  qualifications,  granted  by  any  authority  or  institution  outside  India,  which  are 
included in Part II of the Schedule shall be recognised dental qualifications only for the purposes of the 
registration of citizens of India when the register is first prepared under this Act. 

1. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 7 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
2. Subs. by s. 8, ibid., for section 10 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 

6 

 
                                                           
(b) Where any dental qualification granted by any authority or institution outside India, and held by a 
citizen  of  India,  is  recognised  for  the  purposes  of  the  register  when  it  is  first  prepared,  after  the 
commencement of the Dentists (Amendment) Act, 1972 (42 of 1972), the Central Government may, after 
consultation with the Council, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend Part II of the Schedule so as 
to include therein the dental qualification so recognised. 

(4)  (a)  The  dental  qualifications  granted  by  any  authority  or  institution  outside  India,  which  are 
included in Part III of the Schedule, shall be recognised dental qualifications for the purposes of this Act, 
but no person possessing any such qualification shall be entitled for registration unless he is a citizen of 
India. 

(b) Where any dental qualification granted by any authority or institution outside India, and held by a 
citizen  of  India,  is  recognised,  except  on  reciprocal  basis,  after  the  commencement  of  the  Dentists 
(Amendment) Act, 1972 (42 of 1972), the Central Government may, after consultation with the Council, 
by notification in the Official Gazette, amend Part III of the Schedule so as to include therein the dental 
qualification recognised. 

(5) The Council may enter into negotiations with any authority or institution in any State or country 
outside India which, by law of any such State or country, is entrusted with the maintenance of a register 
of dentists, for the settling of a scheme of reciprocity for the recognition of dental qualifications and in 
pursuance  of  any  such  scheme,  the  Central  Government  may,  by  notification  in  the  Official  Gazette, 
declare that any such qualification granted by any authority or institution in any such State or country, or 
such qualification, only when granted after a specified date, shall be a recognised dental qualification for 
the purposes of this Act, and any such notification may provide for an amendment of the Schedule and 
may also direct that any such dental qualification as is specified in the notification shall be entered in the 
Schedule as so amended. 

(6) The Central Government may, after consultation with the Council, by notification in the Official 
Gazette,  amend  the  Schedule  by  directing  that  an  entry  be  made  therein  in  respect  of  any  dental 
qualification  declaring  that  it  shall  be  a  recognised  dental  qualification  only  when  granted  before  a 
specified date.] 

1[10A.  Permission  for  establishment  of  new  dental  college,  new  courses  of  study,  etc.—(1) 

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force,— 

(a) no person shall establish an authority or institution for a course of study or training (including 
a post-graduate course of study or training) which would enable a student of such course or training to 
qualify himself for the grant of recognised dental qualification; or 

(b) no authority or institution conducting a course of study or training (including a post-graduate 

course of study or training) for grant of recognised dental qualification shall— 

(i) open a new or higher course of study or training (including a post-graduate course of study 
or  training)  which  would  enable  a  student  of  such  course  or  training  to  qualify  himself  for  the 
award of any recognised dental qualification; or 

(ii)  increase  its  admission  capacity  in  any  course  of  study  or  training  (including  a  post-

graduate course of study or training), 

except  with  the  previous  permission  of  the  Central  Government  obtained  in  accordance  with  the 
provisions of this section. 

Explanation 1.—For the purposes of this section, “person” includes any University or a trust but does 

not include the Central Government. 

Explanation 2.—For the purposes of this section,  “admission capacity”, in relation to any course of 
study  or  training  (including  a  post-graduate  course  of  study  or  training)  in  an  authority  or  institution 
granting recognised dental qualification, means the maximum number of students that may be fixed by 
the Council from time to time for being admitted to such course or training. 

1. Ins. by Act 30 of 1993, s. 2 (w.e.f. 27-8-1992). 

7 

 
                                                           
(2)  (a)  Every  person,  authority  or  institution  granting  recognised  dental  qualification  shall,  for  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  permission  under  sub-section  (1),  submit,  to  the  Central  Government  a  scheme  in 
accordance with the provisions of clause (b) and the Central Government shall refer the said scheme to 
the Council for its recommendations. 

(b)  The  scheme  referred  to  in  clause  (a)  shall  be  in  such  form  and  contain  such  particulars  and  be 

preferred in such manner and be accompanied with such fee as may be prescribed. 

(3) On receipt of a scheme by the Council under sub-section (2), the Council may obtain such other 
particulars  as  may  be  considered  necessary  by  it  from  the  person,  authority  or  institution  concerned, 
granting recognised dental qualification and thereafter, it may,— 

(a) if the scheme is defective and does not contain any necessary particulars, give a reasonable 
opportunity to the person, authority or institution concerned for making a written representation and it 
shall  be  open  to  such  person,  authority  or  institution  to  rectify  the  defects,  if  any,  specified  by  the 
Council; 

(b) consider the scheme, having regard to the factors referred to in sub-section (7), and submit the 

scheme together with its recommendations thereon to the Central Government. 

(4)  The  Central  Government  may,  after  considering  the  scheme  and  the  recommendations  of  the 
Council  under  sub-section  (3)  and  after  obtaining,  where  necessary,  such  other  particulars  as  may  be 
considered necessary by it from the person, authority or institution concerned, and having regard to the 
factors  referred  to  in  sub-section  (7),  either  approve  (with  such  conditions,  if  any,  as  it  may  consider 
necessary) or disapprove the scheme and any such approval shall be a permission under sub-section (1):  

Provided  that  no  scheme  shall  be  disapproved  by  the  Central  Government  except  after  giving  the 
person,  authority  or  institution  concerned  granting  recognised  dental  qualification  a  reasonable  
opportunity of being heard: 

Provided  further  that  nothing  in  this  sub-section  shall  prevent  any  person,  authority  or  institution 
whose scheme has not been approved to submit a fresh scheme and the provisions of this section shall 
apply to such scheme, as if such scheme has been submitted for the first time under sub-section (2). 

(5)  Where  within  a  period  of  one  year  from  the  date  of  submission  of  the  scheme  to  the  Central 
Government under sub-section (2), no order passed by the Central Government has been communicated 
to the person, authority or institution submitting the scheme, such scheme shall be deemed to have been 
approved by the Central Government in the form in which it has  been submitted, and, accordingly, the 
permission of the Central Government required under sub-section (1) shall also be deemed to have been 
granted. 

(6) In computing the time-limit specified in sub-section (5), the time taken by the person, authority or 
institution concerned submitting the scheme in furnishing any particulars called for by the Council or by 
the Central Government, shall be excluded. 

(7)  The  Council,  while  making  its  recommendations  under  clause  (b)  of  sub-section  (3)  and  the 
Central  Government,  while  passing  an  order  either  approving  or  disapproving  the  scheme  under  
sub-section (4), shall have due regard to the following factors, namely:— 

(a) whether the proposed authority or institution for grant of recognised dental qualification or the 
existing authority or institution seeking to open a new or higher course of study or training, would be 
in a position to offer the minimum standards of dental education in conformity with the requirements 
referred to in section 16A and the regulations made under sub-section (1) of section 20; 

(b) whether the person seeking to establish an authority or institution or the existing authority or 
institution  seeking  to  open  a  new  or  higher  course  of  study  or  training  or  to  increase  its  admission 
capacity has adequate resources; 

(c) whether necessary facilities in respect of staff, equipment, accommodation, training and other 
facilities to ensure; proper functioning of the authority or institution or conducting the new course of 
study or training or accommodating the increased admission capacity have been provided or would be 
provided within the time-limit specified in the scheme; 

8 

 
(d) whether adequate hospital facilities, having regard to the number of students likely to attend 
such authority or institution or course of study or training or as a result of the increased admission 
capacity have been provided or would be provided within the time-limit specified in the scheme; 

(e)  whether  any  arrangement  has  been  made  or  programme  drawn  to  impart  proper  training  to 
students likely to attend such authority or institution or course of study or training by persons having 
the recognised dental qualifications; 

(f) the requirement of manpower in the field of practice of dentistry; and  
(g) any other factors as may be prescribed. 

(8) Where the Central Government passes an order either approving or disapproving a scheme under 

this section, a copy of the order shall be communicated to the person, authority or institution concerned. 

10B.  Non-recognition  of  dental  qualifications  in  certain  cases.—(1)  Where  any  authority  or 
institution is established for grant of recognised dental qualification except with the previous permission 
of  the  Central  Government  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  section  10A,  no  dental  qualification 
granted to  any  student  of  such  authority  or institution  shall  be  a recognised  dental  qualification for the 
purposes of this Act. 

(2) Where any authority or institution granting recognised dental qualification opens a new or higher 
course of study or training (including a post-graduate course of study or training) except with the previous 
permission  of  the  Central  Government  in  accordance  with  the  previous  permission  of  the  Central 
Government  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  section  10A,  no  dental  qualification  granted  to  any 
student of such authority or institution on the basis of such study or training shall be a recognised dental 
qualification for the purposes of this Act. 

(3) Where any authority or institution granting recognised dental qualification increases its admission 
capacity in any course of study or training (including a post-graduate course of study or training) except 
with  the  previous  permission  of  the  Central  Government  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  section 
10A,  no  dental  qualification  granted  to  any  student  of  such  authority  or  institution  on  the  basis  of  the 
increase in its admission capacity shall be a recognised dental qualification for the purposes of this Act. 

Explanation.—For  the  purposes  of  this  section,  the  criteria  for  identifying  a  student  who  has  been 
granted a dental qualification on the basis of such increase in the admission capacity shall be such as may 
be prescribed. 

10C.  Time  for  seeking  permission  for  certain  existing  authorities.—(1)  If,  after  the  1st  day  of 
June, 1992 and on and before the commencement of the Dentists (Amendment) Act, 1993 (30 of 1993) 
any person has established an authority or institution for grant of recognised dental qualification or any 
authority  or  institution  granting  recognised  dental  qualification  has  opened  a  new  or  higher  course  of 
study  or  training  (including  a  post-graduate  course  of  study  or  training)  or  increased  its  admission 
capacity, such person, authority or institution, as the case may be, shall seek, within a period of one year 
from  the  commencement  of  the  Dentists  (Amendment)  Act,  1993,  the  permission  of  the  Central 
Government in accordance with the provisions of section 10A. 

(2)  If  any  person  or,  as  the  case  may  be,  any  authority  or  institution  granting  recognised  dental 
qualification fails to seek the permission under sub-section (1), the provisions of section 10B shall apply, 
so far as may be, as if permission of the Central Government under section 10A has been refused.] 

1[10D. Uniform entrance examination for undergraduate and post-graduate level.—There shall 
be conducted a uniform entrance examination to all dental educational institutions at the undergraduate 
level  and  post-graduate  level  through  such  designated  authority  in  Hindi,  English  and  such  other 
languages and in such manner as may be prescribed and the designated authority shall ensure the conduct 
of uniform entrance examination in the aforesaid manner: 

Provided that notwithstanding any judgment or order of any court, the provisions of this section shall 
not  apply,  in  relation  to  the  uniform  entrance  examination  at  the  undergraduate  level  for  the  academic 
year 2016-17 conducted in accordance with any regulations made under this Act, in respect of the State 
Government  seats  (whether  in  Government  Dental  College  or  in  a  private  Dental  College)  where  such 
State has not opted for such examination.] 

1. Ins. by Act 40 of 2016, s. 2 (w.e.f. 24-5-2016). 

9 

 
                                                           
11.  Qualifications  of  dental  hygienists.—Any  authority  in  a  1[State]  2***  which  grants  a 
qualification for dental hygienists may apply to the Council to have such qualification recognised, and the 
Council  may,  after  such  inquiry,  if  any,  as  it  thinks  fit,  and  after  consulting  the  Government  and  the 
3[State] Council of the 1[State] in which the authority making the application is situated, declare that such 
qualification, or such qualification only when granted after a specified date, shall be a recognised dental 
hygiene qualification for the purposes of this Act. 

12.  Qualifications  of  dental  mechanics.—The  Council  may  prescribe  the  period  and  nature  of  an 
apprenticeship or training which shall be undergone and the other conditions which shall be satisfied by a 
person before he is entitled to be registered under this Act as a dental mechanic. 

13. Effect of recognition.—Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, but subject to the 

provisions of this Act,— 

(a)  any  recognised  dental  or  dental  hygiene  qualification  shall  be  a  sufficient  qualification  for 

enrolment in the appropriate register of any 1[State]; 

(b) no person shall, after the first registers are compiled under this Act, be entitled to be enrolled 
in any register as a dentist or dental hygienist unless he holds a recognised dental or dental hygiene 
qualification or as a dental mechanic unless he has undergone training which satisfies the prescribed 
requirements referred to in section 12. 

14. Power to require information as to courses of study and training and examinations.—Every 
authority  in  a  1[State]  2***  which  grants  any  recognised  dental  or  dental  hygiene  qualification  shall 
furnish  such  information  as  the  Council  may  from  time  to  time  require  as  to  the  courses  of  study  and 
training and examinations to be undergone in order to obtain such qualification, as to the ages at which 
such courses of study and examinations are required to be undergone, and generally as to the requisites 
for obtaining such qualification. 

15.  Inspection.—(1)  The  Executive  Committee  4[may,  subject  to  regulations,  if  any,  made  by  the 
Council appoint] such number of Inspectors as it deems necessary to attend at any examinations held by 
authorities  in  the  5[States]  2***  which  grant  recognised  dental  or  dental  hygiene  qualifications  and  to 
inspect any institution recognised as a training institution. 

(2) Inspectors appointed under this section shall not interfere with the course of any examination but 
they shall report to the Executive Committee on the sufficiency of every examination at which they attend 
and of the courses of study and training at every institution which they inspect, and on any other matters 
with regard to which the Executive Committee may require them to report. 

(3)  The  Executive  Committee  shall  forward  a  copy  of  such  report  to  the  authority  or  institution 
concerned  and  shall  also  forward  copies  with  remarks,  if  any,  of  the  authority  or  institution  concerned 
thereon  to  the  Central  Government  and  to  the  Government  of  the  State  in  which  the  authority  or 
institution is situated. 

6[15A. Appointment of Visitors.—(1) The Council may appoint such number of Visitors as it may 
deem necessary to attend at any examination held by any authority or institution in a State which grants 
recognised  dental  qualifications  and  to  inspect  any  institution  training  students  for  recognised  dental 
qualifications. 

(2) Any person, whether he is a member of the Council or not, may be appointed as a Visitor under 
this  section,  but  a  person  who  is  appointed  as  an  Inspector  under  section  15  for  any  inspection  or 
examination shall not be appointed as a Visitor for the same inspection or examination. 

(3) The Visitor shall not interfere with the course of any examination but shall report to the President 
of the Council on the sufficiency of every examination at which he attends and of the courses of study and 

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”. 
2. The words “of India” omitted, ibid. 
3. Subs. ibid., for “Provincial”. 
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 6, for “may appoint”. 
5. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provinces”. 
6. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 9 (w.e.f. 1-11-1973). 

10 

 
                                                           
training at every institution which he inspects, and on the adequacy of the standards of dental education 
including staff, equipment, accommodation and other facilities prescribed for giving dental education, and 
on any other matters with regard to which the Council may require him to report. 

(4) The report of a Visitor shall be treated as confidential unless in any particular case the President of 

the Council otherwise directs: 

Provided that if the Central Government requires a copy of the report of a Visitor, the  Council shall 

furnish the same. 

16. Withdrawal of recognition.—(1) When upon report by the Executive Committee it appears to 

the Council— 

(a) that the courses of study and training or the examinations to be undergone in order to obtain a 
recognised  1*** dental hygiene qualification from any authority in a  2[State]  3*** or the conditions 
for  admission  to  such  courses  or  the  standards  of  proficiency  required  from  the  candidates  at  such 
examinations are not in conformity with regulations made under this Act or fall short of the standards 
required thereby, or  

(b) that an institution does not satisfy the requirements of the Council, 

the Council may send to the Government of the 4[States] in which the authority or institution is situated a 
statement to such, effect, and the 5[State] Government shall forward it, along with such remarks as it may 
think  fit,  to  the  authority  or  institution  concerned  with  an  intimation  of  the  period  within  which  the 
authority or institution may submit its explanation to the 5[State] Government. 

(2) On receipt of the explanation, or where no explanation is submitted within the period fixed, then 
on the expiry of the period, the 5[State] Government shall after consulting the 5[State] Council, forward its 
recommendations and those of the 5[State] Council, if any, to the Council. 

(3)  The  Council,  after  considering  the  recommendations  of  the  5[State]  Government  and  the  State 
Council  and  after  such  further  inquiry,  if  any,  as  it  may  think  fit  to  make,  may  declare  that  the 
qualification granted by the authority or institution shall be a recognised 1*** dental hygiene qualification 
only when granted before a specified date. 

(4) The Council may declare that any recognised 1*** dental hygiene qualification granted outside the 

4[States] 3*** shall be recognised as such only if granted before a specified date. 

6[16A.Withdrawal  of recognition  of  recognised  dental  qualification.—(1) When,  upon  report  by 

the Executive Committee or the Visitor, it appears to the Council— 

(a) that the courses of study and training or the examination to be undergone in order to obtain a 
recognised  dental  qualification  from  any  authority  or  institution  in  a  State,  or  the  conditions  for 
admission  to  such  courses  or  the  standards  of  proficiency  required  from  the  candidates  as  such 
examinations  are  not  in  conformity  with  the  regulations  made  under  this  Act  or  fall  short  of  the 
standards required thereby, or 

(b)  that  an  institution  does  not,  in  the  matter  of  staff,  equipment,  accommodation,  training  and 

other facilities, satisfy the requirements of the Council, 

the Council shall send a statement to that effect to the Central Government. 

(2) After considering such a statement, the Central Government may send it to the Government of the 
State in which the authority exercises power or the institution is situated, and the State Government shall 
forward it, along with such remarks as it may think fit to make, to the authority or institution concerned, 
with an intimation of the period within which the authority or institution may submit its explanation to the 
State Government. 

(3) After considering the explanation, or where no explanation is submitted within the period fixed, 
then, on the expiry of that period, the State Government shall make its recommendations to the Central 
Government. 

1. The words “dental or” omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 10 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”. 
3. The words “of India” omitted, ibid. 
4. Subs., ibid, for “Provinces”. 
5. Subs., ibid, for “Provincial”. 
6. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 11 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 

11 

 
                                                           
(4)  The  Central  Government  may,  after  considering  the  recommendations  of  the  State  Government 
and after making such further inquiry, if any, as it may think fit, by notification in the Official Gazette, 
direct  that  an  entry  shall  be  made  in  Part  I  of  the  Schedule  against  the  qualification  granted  by  the 
authority  or  institution  declaring  that  it  shall  be  a  recognised  dental  qualification  only  when  granted 
before a specified date or that the said recognised dental qualification if granted to students of a specified 
college  or  institution  affiliated  to  any  University  shall  be  a  recognised  dental  qualification  only  when 
granted before a specified date or, as the case may be, that the said recognised dental qualification shall be 
a recognised dental qualification in relation to a specified college or institution affiliated to any University 
only when granted after a specified date.] 

17. Mode of declarations.—All declarations under 1*** section 11 or section 16 shall be made by a 

resolution passed at a meeting of the Council and shall forthwith be published in the Official Gazette. 

2[17A. Professional conduct.—(1) The Council may prescribe standards of professional conduct and 

etiquette or the code of ethics for dentists. 

(2) Regulations made by the Council under sub-section (1) may specify which violations thereof shall 
constitute infamous conduct in any professional respect, that is to say, professional misconduct, and such 
provision  shall  have  effect  notwithstanding  anything  to  the  contrary  contained  in  any  other  law  for  the 
time being in force.] 

18. The Indian Register.—(1) The Council shall maintain a register of dentists to be known as the 

Indian Dentists Register and consisting of the entries in all the 3[State] registers of dentists. 

(2) Each 3[State] Council shall supply to the Council twenty printed copies of the  3[State] register as 
soon  as  may  be  after  the  1st  day  of  April  of  each  year,  and  each  Registrar  shall  inform  the  Council 
without delay of all additions to and other amendments in the 3[State] register. 

19.  Information  to  be  furnished.—(1)  The  Council  shall  furnish  copies  of  its  minutes  and  of  the 
minutes of the Executive Committee and an annual report of its activities together with an abstract of its 
accounts to the Central Government. 

(2) The Central Government may publish in such manner as it thinks fit any report, copy or abstract 

furnished to it under this section. 

20.  Power  to  make  regulations.—(1)  The  Council  may,  with  the  approval  of  the  Central 
Government,  4[by  notification  in  the  Official  Gazette,]  make  regulations  not  inconsistent  with  the 
provisions of this Act to carry out the purposes of this Chapter. 

(2)  In  particular  and  without  prejudice  to  the  generality  of  the  foregoing  power  such  regulations 

may— 

(a) provide for the management of the property of the Council 5***; 

(b) prescribe the manner in which elections under this Chapter shall be conducted; 

(c)  provide  for  the  summoning  and  holding  of  meetings  of  the  Council  and  the  Executive 
Committee, the times and places at which such meetings shall be held, the conduct of business thereat 
and the number of members necessary to constitute a quorum; 

(d) prescribe the functions of the Executive Committee; 

(e) prescribe the powers and duties of the President and Vice-President; 
(f) prescribe the tenure of office and the powers and duties of  the Secretary  6[and other officers 

and servants of the Council and Inspectors and Visitors appointed by the Council]; 

1. The word and figures “section 10” omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 12 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
2. Ins. by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
4. Ins. by Act 4 of 1986, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 15-5-1986). 
5. The words “and the maintenance and audit of its accounts” omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 14 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
6. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 14, for “Inspectors and other officers and servants of the Council” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 

12 

 
                                                           
1[(fa) prescribe the form of the scheme, the particulars to be given in such scheme, the manner in 
which  the  scheme  is  to  be  preferred  and  the  fee  payable  with  the  scheme  under  clause  (b)  of  
sub-section (2) of section 10A; 

(fb) prescribe any other factors under clause (g) of sub-section (7) of section 10A; 

(fc)  prescribe  the  criteria  for  identifying  a  student  who  has  been  granted  a  dental  qualification 

referred to in the Explanation to sub-section (3) of section 10B;] 

(g)  prescribe  the  standard  curricula  for  the  training  of  dentists  and  dental  hygienists,  and  the 

conditions for admission to courses of such training; 

(h)  prescribe  the  standards  of  examinations and  other  requirements  to  be satisfied  to  secure  for 

qualifications recognition under this Act; 

2[(ha)  the  designated  authority,  other  languages  and  the  manner  of  conducting  of  uniform 
entrance  examination  to  all  dental  educational  institutions  at  the  undergraduate  level  and  post-
graduate level;] 

(i) any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed under this Act: 

Provided  that  regulations  under  clauses  (g)  and  (h)  shall  be  made  after  consultation  with  3[State] 

Governments. 

(3) To enable the Council to be first constituted, the Central Government may make regulations for 
the conduct of the elections to the Council, and any regulation so made may be altered or rescinded by the 
Council in exercise of its powers under this section. 

4[(4) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made before 
each  House  of  Parliament,  while  it  is  in  session  for  a  total  period  of  thirty  days  which  may  be  
comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session 
immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any 
modification in the regulation or both Houses agree that the regulation should not be made, the regulation 
shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, 
that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously 
done under that regulation.] 

CHAPTER III 
3[STATE] DENTAL COUNCILS 

21.  Constitution  and  Composition  of  State  Councils.—Except  where  a  Joint  3[State]  Council  is 
constituted  in  accordance  with  an  agreement  made  under  section  22,  the  3[State]  Government  shall 
constitute a 3[State] Council consisting of the following members, namely:— 

(a) four members elected from among themselves by dentists registered in Part A of the  3[State] 

register; 

(b) four members elected from among themselves by dentists registered in Part B of the  3[State] 

register; 

5[(c)  the  heads  of  dental  colleges,  if  any,  in  the  State  which  train  students  for  any  of  the 

recognised dental qualifications included in Part I of the Schedule, ex officio;] 

(d) one member elected from amongst themselves by the members of the Medical Council or the 

Council of Medical Registration of the 6[State], as the case may be; 7*** 
(e) three members nominated by the 3[State] Government; 8[and] 
 8[(f) the Chief Medical Officer of the State, by whatever name called, ex officio:] 

1. Ins. by Act 30 of 1993, s. 3 (w.e.f. 27-8-1992). 
2. Ins. by Act 40 of 2016, s. 3 (w.e.f. 24-5-2016). 
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
4. Ins. by Act 4 of 1986, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 15-5-1986). 
5. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 7, for clause (c). 
6. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”. 
7. The word “and” omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 15 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
8. Ins. by s. 15, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 

13 

 
                                                           
1[Provided  that  in  the  State  of  Saurashtra  2[as  it  existed  before  the  1st  November,  1956],  the  State 
Dental  Council  constituted  under  Saurashtra  Ordinance  XXV  of  1948,  as  amended  by  Saurashtra 
Ordinance XL of 1949, shall be deemed to the State Council constituted under this Act.] 

22. Inter-State agreements.—(1) Two or more 3[State] Governments may enter into an agreement to 
to  be  in  force  for  such  period  and  to  be  subject  to  renewal  for  such  further  periods,  if  any,  as  may  be 
specified in the agreement, to provide— 

(a) for the constitution of a Joint 3[State] Council for all the participating 4[States], or 
(b) for the 3[State] Council of one 5[State] to serve the needs of the other participating 4[States]. 

(2) In addition to such matters as are in this Act specified, an agreement under this section may— 

(a)  provide  for  the  apportionment  between  the  participating  4[States]  of  the  expenditure  in 

connection with the 3[State] Council or Joint 3[State] Council; 

(b) determine which of the participating 3[State] Governments shall exercise the several functions 
of the  3[State] Government under this Act, and the references in this Act to the  3[State] Government 
shall be construed accordingly; 

(c)  provide  for  consultation  between  the  participating  3[State]  Governments  either  generally  or 

with reference to particular matters arising under this Act; 

(d)  make  such  incidental  and  ancillary  provisions,  not  inconsistent  with  this  Act,  as  may  be 

deemed necessary or expedient for giving effect to the agreement. 

(3)  An  agreement  under this  section  shall  be  published  in  the  Official  Gazettes  of  the  participating 

4[States]. 

23.  Composition  of  Joint State  Councils.—A Joint  3[State]  Council  shall  consist  of the  following 

members, namely:— 

(a) two members elected from among themselves by dentists registered in Part A of the register of 

each of the participating 4[States]; 

(b) two members elected from among themselves by dentists registered in Part B of the register of 

each of the participating 4[States];  

6[(c) the heads of dental colleges, if any, in all the participating States which train students for any 

any of the recognised dental qualifications included in Part I of the Schedule, ex officio;] 

(d) one member elected by the Medical Council or the Council of Medical Registration, of each 

participating 5[State], as the case may be; 

(e) two members nominated by each participating 3[State] Government; 
7[(f) the Chief Medical Officer of each participating State, by whatever name called, ex officio.]  
24.  Incorporation  of  State  Councils.—Every  3[State]  Council  shall  be  a  body  corporate  by  such 
name  as  may  be  notified  by  the  3[State]  Government  in  the  Official  Gazette  or,  in  the  case  of  a  Joint 
3[State] Council, as may be determined in the agreement, having perpetual succession and a common seal 
with power to acquire and hold property, both movable and immovable, and shall by the said name sue 
and be sued. 

25. President and Vice-President of State Council.—(1) The President and Vice-President of the 

3[State] Council shall be elected by the members from among themselves: 

1. Added by Act 12 of 1955, s. 7. 
2. Ins. by the Adaptation of Laws (No. 3) Order, 1956. 
3. Subs. by the A. O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
4. Subs., ibid., for “Provinces”. 
5. Subs., ibid., for “Province”. 
6. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 8, for clause (c). 
7. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 16 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 

14 

 
                                                           
Provided that for five years from the first constitution of the  1[State] Council, the President shall, if 
the  1[State]  Government so  decides,  be  a  person  nominated  by  the  1[State]  Government  who shall hold 
office during the pleasure of the  1[State] Government, and where he is not already a member, shall be a 
member of the 1[State] Council in addition to the members referred to in section 21 or 23, as the case may 
be. 

(2) The President or Vice-President shall hold office as such for a term not exceeding five years and 
not extending beyond the expiry of his term as a member of the 1[State] Council, but subject to his being a 
member of the 1[State] Council, he shall be eligible for re-election. 

26. Mode of elections.—Elections under this Chapter shall be conducted in the prescribed manner, 
and where any dispute arises regarding any such election, it shall be referred to the  1[State] Government 
whose decision shall be final. 

27. Term of office and casual vacancies.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, an elected or 
nominated member shall hold office for a term of five years from the date of his election or nomination or 
until his successor has been duly elected or nominated whichever is longer: 

2[Provided that a member nominated under clause (e) of section 21 or clause (e) of section 23, shall 

hold office during the pleasure of the authority nominating him.] 

(2)  An  elected  or  nominated  member  may  at  any  time  resign  his  membership  by  writing  under  his 

hand addressed to the President, and the seat of such member shall thereupon become vacant. 

(3) An elected or nominated member shall be deemed to have vacated his seat— 

(a)  if  he  is  absent  without  excuse,  sufficient  in  the  opinion  of  the  1[State]  Council,  from  three 

consecutive ordinary meetings of the 1[State] Council, or 

(b) in the case of a member whose name is required to be included in any  1[State] register, if his 

name is removed from the register, or 

(c) where he has been elected under clause (d) of section 21 or under clause (d) of section 23, if 
he  ceases  to  be  a  member  of  the  Medical  Council  or  the  Council  of  Medical  Registration  of  the 
3[State] as the case may be. 
(4) A casual vacancy in the 1[State] Council shall be filled by fresh election or nomination, as the case 
may be, and the person elected or nominated to fill the vacancy shall hold office only for the remainder of 
the term for which the member whose place he takes was elected or nominated. 

(5) Members of the 1[State] Council shall be eligible for re-election or re-nomination. 
(6)  No  act  done  by  the  1[State]  Council  shall  be  called  in  question  on  the  ground  merely  of  the 

existence of any vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of, the 1[State] Council. 

28. Staff, remuneration and allowances.—(1) The 1[State] Council may, with the previous sanction 

of the 1[State] Government,— 

(a) appoint a Registrar who shall also act as Secretary and if so decided by the  1[State] Council 

also as its Treasurer; 

(b) appoint such other officers and servants as may be required to enable the  1[State] Council to 

carry out its functions under this Act; 

(c) require and take from the Registrar or from any other officer or servant such security for the 

due performance of his duties as the 1[State] Council considers necessary; 

(d)  fix  the  salaries  and  allowances  and  other  conditions  of  service  of  the  Registrar  and  other 

officers and servants of the 1[State] Council; 

(e) fix the rate of allowances payable to members of the 1[State] Council. 

1. Subs. by the A. O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
2. Added by Act 42 of 1972, s. 17 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”. 

15 

 
                                                           
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (a) of sub-section (1), for the first four years from 
the  first  constitution  of  the  1[State]  Council,  the  Registrar  of  the  1[State]  Council  shall  be  a  person 
appointed  by  the  1[State]  Government  who  shall  hold  office  during  the  pleasure  of  the  1[State] 
Government. 

29.  Executive  Committee.—(1)  The  1[State]  Council  shall  constitute  from  among  its  members  an 
Executive  Committee  consisting  of  the  President  and  Vice-President  ex  officio  2[and the  Chief Medical 
Officer  of  the  State  or  the  States  concerned,  by  whatever  name  called,  ex  officio]  and  such  number  of 
other members elected by the 1[State] Council as may be prescribed. 

(2) The President and Vice-President of the  1[State] Council shall be Chairman and Vice-Chairman, 

respectively, of the Executive Committee. 

(3) A member of the Executive Committee shall bold office as such until the expiry of his term of 
office as member of the  1[State] Council, but subject to his being a member of the  1[State] Council, he 
shall be eligible for re-election. 

(4)  The  Executive  Committee  shall  exercise  and  discharge  such  powers  and  duties  as  may  be 

prescribed. 

30. Information to be furnished.—(1) The  1[State] Council shall furnish such reports, copies of its 
minutes  and  of  the  minutes  of  the  Executive  Committee,  and  abstracts  of  its  accounts  to  the  1[State] 
Government  as  the  1[State]  Government  may  from  time  to  time  require  and  shall forward  copies  of  all 
material so furnished to the 1[State] Government to the Council. 

(2) The 1[State] Government may published in such manner as it thinks fit any report copy or abstract 

furnished to it under this section. 

CHAPTER IV 

REGISTRATION 

31. Preparation and maintenance of register.—(1) The  1[State] Government shall as soon as may 

be cause to be prepared in the manner hereinafter provided a register of dentists for the 3[State]. 

(2)  The  1[State]  Council  shall  upon  its  constitution  assume  the  duty  of  maintaining  the  register  in 

accordance with the provisions of this Act. 

(3) The register of dentists shall be maintained in two Parts, A and B, persons possessing recognised 
dental  qualifications  being  registered  in  Part  A  and  persons  not  possessing  such  qualifications  being 
registered in Part B. 

(4) The register shall include the following particulars, namely:— 

(a) the full name, nationality and residential address of the registered person; 

(b) the date of this first admission to the register; 

(c) his qualification for registration, and the date on which he obtained his degree or diploma in 

dentistry, if any, and the authority which conferred it; 

(d) his professional address; and 

(e) such further particulars as may be prescribed. 

32. First preparation of register.—(1) For the purpose of first preparing the register of dentists, the 
1[State]  Government  shall,  by  notification  in  the  Official  Gazette,  constitute  a  Registration  Tribunal 
consisting of three persons and shall also appoint a Registrar who shall act as Secretary of the Tribunal. 

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
2. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 18 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”. 

16 

 
                                                           
(2)  The  1[State]  Government  shall,  by  the  same  or  a  like  notification,  appoint  a  date  on  or  before 
which application for registration, which shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee, shall be made to the 
Registration Tribunal. 

(3)  The  Registration  Tribunal  shall  examine  every  application  received  on  or  before  the  appointed 
date, and if it is satisfied that the applicant is qualified for registration under section 33, shall direct the 
entry of the name of the applicant on the register. 

(4) The register so prepared shall thereafter be published in such manner as the  1[State] Government 
may direct, and any person aggrieved by a decision of the Registration Tribunal expressed or implied in 
the  register  as  so  published  may,  within  thirty  days  from  the  date  of  such  publication,  appeal  to  an 
authority appointed by the 1[State] Government in this behalf by notification in the Official Gazette. 

(5) The Registrar shall amend the register in accordance with the decisions of the authority appointed 
under sub-section (4) and shall thereupon issue to every person whose name is entered on the register a 
certificate of registration in the prescribed form. 

(6) Upon the constitution of the  1[State] Council, the register shall be given into its custody, and the 
1[State] Government may direct that all or any specified part of the application fees for registration in the 
first register shall be paid to the credit of the 1[State] Council. 

33.  Qualifications  for  entry  on  first  preparation  of  register.—(1)  A  person  shall  be  entitled  on 
payment  of  the  prescribed  fee  to  have  his  name  entered  on  the  register  when  it  is  first  prepared,  if  he 
resides or carries on the profession of dentistry in the 2[State] and if he— 

(a) holds a recognised dental qualification, or 
(b) does not hold such a qualification but, being a 3[citizen of India], has been engaged in practice 
as a dentist as his principal means of livelihood for a period of not less than five years prior to  4[the 
date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32]: 
Provided that no person other than a  3[citizen of India] shall be entitled to registration by virtue of a 

qualification— 

(a) specified in Part I of the Schedule unless by the law and practice of the State or country to 
which such person belongs persons of Indian origin holding dental qualifications registrable in that 
State  or  country  are  permitted  to  enter  and  practise  the  profession  of  dentistry  in  such  State  or 
country, or 

5[(b) recognised, in pursuance of a scheme of reciprocity, under sub-section (5) of section 10:] 

Provided further that a person shall be entitled to registration by virtue of a qualification specified in 

6[Part II] of the Schedule only if he is a 3[citizen of India]: 

7[Provided further that for the purpose of the first preparation of the register of dentists under this Act, 
Act,  a  person  shall  be  entitled  to  have  his  name  entered  in  the  appropriate  part  of  the  register  without 
payment of any registration fee.— 

(a) in the State of Saurashtra 8[as it existed before the 1st November, 1956], if he is registered on 
the  register  of  dental  practitioners  maintained  under  Saurashtra  Ordinance  No.  25  of  1948,  as 
amended by Saurashtra Ordnance No. 40 of 1949; or 

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
2. Subs., ibid., for “Province”. 
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “British subject of Indian domicile”. 
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 9, for “the commencement of this Act”. 
5. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 19, for clause (b) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
6. Subs. by s. 19, ibid., for Part III (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
7. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 9, for the last proviso. 
8. Ins. by the Adaptation of Laws (No. 3) Order, 1956. 

17 

 
                                                           
(b)  in  the  State  of  Travancore-Cochin  1[as  it  existed  before  the  1st  November,  1956],  if  he  is 
registered  on  the  register  of  dental  practitioners  maintained  under  the  Travancore  Medical 
Practitioners Act, 1119; 2[or] 

2[(c) in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, if he is registered on the register of dental practitioners 

maintained under the Jammu and Kashmir Dentists Act, 1958 (J. & K. Act 9 of 1958).] 
(2)  A  person  domiciled  in  a  3[State]  4***  shall  be  entitled  on  payment  of  the  prescribed  fee  to 
temporary registration as a dentist for a period of five years, if he has been engaged in practice as a dentist 
as his principal means of livelihood for a period of not less than two years during the five years prior to 
5[the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32], and a person so registered shall be entitled to 
permanent registration if  6[for  a period of five  years  from  the  date  of  his temporary  registration  he  has 
been engaged in practice as a dentist]. 

34.  Qualification  for  subsequent  registration.—7[(1)]  After 

the  date  appointed  under  
sub-section (2) of section 32 a person shall, on payment of the prescribed fee, be entitled to have his name 
entered on the register of dentists, if he resides or carries on the profession of dentistry in the 3[State] and 
if he— 

(i) holds a recognised dental qualification, or 
(ii) does not hold such a qualification but, being a 8[citizen of India], has been engaged in practice 
practice  as  a  dentist  as  his  principal  means  of  livelihood  for  a  period  of  not  less  than  9[two  years 
before the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32] and has passed, within a period of 10[ten 
years after the said date], an examination recognised for this purpose by the 11[Central Government]: 
Provided that no person other than a  8[citizen of India] shall be entitled to registration by virtue of a 

qualification— 

(a) specified in Part I of the Schedule unless by the law and practice of the State or country to 
which such person belongs persons of Indian origin holding dental qualifications registrable in that 
State  or  country  are  permitted  to  enter  and  practice  the  profession  of  dentistry  in  such  State  or 
country, or  

12[(b) recognised, in pursuance of a scheme of reciprocity, under sub-section (5) of section 10:] 

Provided further that a person registered in Part B of the register shall be entitled to be registered in 
Part A thereof, if within a period of  13[ten years after the date of his registration in Part B] he passes an 
examination recognised for the purpose by the 11[Central Government]. 
14[(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1),— 

(a) a 15[State Council] may during the period of two years immediately after the commencement 
of the Dentists (Amendment) Act, 16[1955 (12 of 1955)], permit for sufficient reasons the registration 
in the State register of any displaced person who does not hold a recognised dental qualification but 

1. Ins. by the Adaptation of Laws (No. 3), Order 1956. 
2. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 19 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”. 
4. The words “or India” omitted, ibid. 
5. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 9, for “the date of the commencement of this Act”. 
6. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for certain words. 
7. Section 34 renumbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 12 of 1955, s. 10. 
8. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “British subject of Indian domicile.” 
9. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 10, for “two years before the commencement of this Act”. 
10. Subs. by s. 10, ibid., for “five years after the commencement of this Act”. 
11. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 20, for “Council” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
12. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for clause (b) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
13. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 10, for “five years”. 
14. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 10. 
15. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 20, for “State Dental Council” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
16. Subs. by Act 36 of 1957, s. 3 and the Second Schedule, for “1954”. 

18 

 
                                                           
has  been  actually  practising  the  profession  of  dentistry  as  his  principal  means  of  livelihood  from  a 
date prior to the 29th day of March, 1948; 

Explanation.—In this clause “displaced person” means any person who, on account of the setting 
up  of  the  Dominions  of  India  and  Pakistan  or  on  account  of  civil  disturbances  or  fear  of  such 
disturbances in any area now forming part of Pakistan has, after the 1st day of March, 1947, left or 
been  displaced  from,  his  place  of  residence  in  such  area  and  who  has  since  then  been  residing  in 
India; 

1[(aa)  the  State  Council  may,  during  the  period  of  two  years  immediately  after  the 
commencement of the Dentists (Amendment) Act, 1972 (42 of 1972), permit, for sufficient reasons, 
the  registration  in  the  State  register  of  any  displaced  person  or  a  repatriate  who  does  not  hold  any 
recognised  dental  qualification  but  has  been  actually  practising  the  profession  of  dentistry  as  his 
principal means of livelihood from a date prior to the 29th day of March, 1948. 

Explanation.—In this clause,— 

(i) “displaced person” means any person who, on account of civil disturbances or fear of such 
disturbances in any area now forming part of Bangla Desh, has, after the 14th day of April, 1957 
but before the 25th day of March, 1971, left. or has been displaced from, his place of residence in 
such area and who has since then been residing in India ;] 

(ii)  “repatriate”  means  any  person  who,  on  account  of  civil  disturbances  or  fear  of  such 
disturbances in any area now forming part of Burma or Ceylon, has. after the 14th day of April, 
1957, left or has been displaced from, his place of residence in such area and who has since then 
been residing in India;] 

(b)  a  person  other  than  a  citizen  of  India  holding  a  reputable  dental  qualification  and 
employed  for  teaching  or  research  in  a  dental  institution  situated  in  any  of  the  States  may  be 
permitted  2***  temporary  registration  in  the  State  register  of  dentists  for  the  period  of  his 
employment or for a period of five years, whichever is shorter: 

Provided  that  he  does  not  practise  the  profession  of  dentistry  for  personal  gain  and  his 

application for registration is approved by the President of the Council.] 

35.  Scrutiny  of  applications  for  registration.—(1)  After  the  date  appointed  for  the  receipt  of 
applications  for  registration  in  the  first  register  of  dentists,  all  applications  for  registration  shall  be 
addressed to the Registrar of the 3[State] Council and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. 

(2) If upon such application the Registrar is of opinion that the applicant is entitled to have his name 

entered on the register, he shall enter thereon the name of the applicant: 

Provided  that  no  person,  whose  name  has  under  the  provisions  of  this  Act  been  removed  from  the 
register of any 4[State], shall be entitled to have his name entered on the register except with the approval 
of the 3[State] Council from whose register his name was removed. 

(3)  Any  person  whose  application  for  registration  is  rejected  by  the  Registrar  may,  within  three 
months  from  the  date  of  such  rejection,  appeal  to  the  3[State]  Council,  and  the  decision  of  the  3[State] 
Council thereon shall be final. 

(4) Upon entry in the register of a name under this section, the Registrar shall issue a certificate of 

registration in the prescribed form . 

5[35A.  Special  provision  for  amending  the  register  of  dentists.—Notwithstanding  anything 
contained in this Chapter, the Registrar may, by order in writing, amend the register by deleting therefrom 

1. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 20 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
2. The words “irrespective of any considerations of reciprocity” omitted by s. 20, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
4. Subs., ibid., for “Province”. 
5. Ins. by the Madras Adaptation of Laws Order, 1954. 

19 

 
                                                           
the name of any person who by reason of the formation of the State of Andhra, has ceased to reside or 
carry on the business or profession of dentistry in the State of Madras: 

Provided that the Registrar shall, before passing an order, make such inquiry as he deems necessary. 

(2) Any person aggrieved by an order under sub-section (1) may appeal to such authority and within 
such time, as may be specified in this behalf by the State Government of Madras; and such authority shall 
pass such order on the appeal as it thinks fit. 

(3) An order of the Registrar under sub-section (1), or where an appeal has been preferred against it 

under sub-section (2), the order of the appellate authority shall be final. 

(4) The provision of this section shall cease to be in force from such date as the State Government of 

Madras may by notification in the Official Gazette appoint.] 

36.  Registers  of  dental  hygienists  and  dental mechanics.—(1) The  1[State]  Government  may,  by 
notification  in  the  Official  Gazette  direct  that  the  1[State]  Council  shall  maintain  a  register  of  dental 
hygienists or a register of dental mechanics. 

(2)  The  provisions  of  section  35  shall,  so  far  as  they  may  be  made  applicable,  apply  in  respect  of 

applications for registration in a register referred to in this section. 

37. Qualification for registration as a dental hygienist.—A person shall be entitled on payment of 
the  prescribed  fee  to  have  his  name  registered  on  the  register  of  dental  hygienists,  if  he  resides  in  the 
2[State] and holds a recognised dental hygiene qualification: 

Provided that for the purposes of the first register of dental hygienists, a person shall be entitled to be 
registered, if he has been engaged as a dental hygienist as his principal means of livelihood for a period of 
not less than two years prior to the date of notification under sub-section (1) of section 36. 

38. Qualification for registration as a dental mechanic.—A person shall be entitled on payment of 
the  prescribed  fee  to  have  his  name  entered  in  the  register  of  dental  mechanics,  if  he  satisfies  the 
prescribed requirements referred to in section 12: 

Provided  that  for  the  purposes  of  the  preparation  of  the  first  register  of  dental  mechanics  a  person 
shall be entitled to be registered, if he has been engaged as a dental mechanic as his principal means of 
livelihood for a period of not less than two years prior to the date of notification under sub-section (1) of 
section 36. 

39. Renewal fees.—(1) The  1[State] Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct 
that for the retention of a name in a register after the 31st day of December of the year following the year 
in which the name is first entered in the register, there shall be paid annually to the 1[State] Council such 
renewal fee  as  may  be  prescribed  in  respect  of each register, and  where  such  direction  has been  made, 
such renewal fee shall be due to be paid before the 1st day of April of the year to which it relates. 

(2) Where a renewal fee is not paid before the due date, the Registrar shall remove the name of  the 

defaulter from the register: 

Provided that a name so removed may be restored to the register on payment in such manner as may 

be prescribed. 

3[(3)  On  payment  of  the  renewal  fee,  the  Registrar  shall  issue  a  certificate  of  renewal  and  such 

certificate shall be proof of renewal of registration.] 

40. Entry of additional qualifications.—A registered dentist shall on payment of the prescribed fee 
be  entitled  to  have  entered  in  the  register  any  further  recognised  4[dental]  qualification  which  he  may 
obtain. 

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
2. Subs., ibid., for “Province”. 
3. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 21, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
4. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 11. 

20 

 
                                                           
41. Removal from register.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the  1[State] Council may 
order that the name of any person shall be removed from any register where it is satisfied, after giving that 
person a reasonable opportunity of being heard and after such further inquiry, if any, as it may think fit to 
make,— 

(i) that his name has been entered in the register by error or on account of misrepresentation or 

suppression of a material fact, or 

(ii) that he has been convicted of any offence or has been guilty of any infamous conduct in any 
professional respect  2[or has violated the standards of professional conduct and etiquette or the code 
of ethics prescribed under section 17A], which in the opinion of the 1[State] Council renders him unfit 
to be kept in the register, 3[or] 

3[(iii) that he having been permitted temporary registration under clause (b) of sub-section (2) of 
section  34  has,  on  such  registration,  been  found  to  practise  the  profession  of  dentistry  for  personal 
gain.] 

(2) An order under sub-section (1) may direct that any person whose name is ordered to be removed 
from a register shall be ineligible for registration in the  4[State] under this Act either permanently or for 
such period of years as may be specified. 

(3) An order under sub-section (1) shall not take effect until the expiry of three months from the date 

thereof. 

(4)  A  person  aggrieved  by  an  order  under  sub-section  (1)  may,  within  thirty  days  from  the  date 
thereof,  appeal  to  the  1[State]  Government,  and the  order  of the  1[State]  Government  upon  such  appeal 
shall be final. 

(5)  A  person  whose  name  has  been  removed  from  the  register  under  this  section  or  under  
sub-section  (2)  of  section  39  shall  forthwith  surrender  his  certificate  of  registration  2[and  certificate  of 
renewal, if any,] to the Registrar, and the name so removed shall be published in the Official Gazette. 

3[(6) A person whose name has been removed from the State register of dentists under this section or 
under  sub-section  (2)  of  section  39  shall  not  be  entitled  to  have  his  name  registered  in  the  register  of 
dentists in any other State register of dentists except with the approval of the State Council from whose 
register his name has been removed.] 

42.  Restoration  to  register.—The  1[State]  Council  may  at  any  time,  for  reasons  appearing  to  it 
sufficient  and  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  1[State]  Government,  order  that  upon  payment  of  the 
prescribed fee the name of a person removed from a register shall be restored thereto. 

43. Bar of jurisdiction.—No order refusing to enter a name in a register or removing a name from a 

register shall be called in question in any Court. 

44.  Issue  of  duplicate  certificates.—Where  it  is  shown  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Registrar  that  a 
certificate of registration  5[or a certificate of renewal] has been lost or destroyed, the Registrar may, on 
payment of the prescribed fee, issue a duplicate certificate in the prescribed form. 

45. Printing of registers.—As soon as may be after the 1st day of April in each year, the Registrar 
shall cause to be printed copies of the registers as they stood on the said date and such copies shall be 
made available to persons applying therefor on payment of the prescribed charge, and shall be evidence 
that  on  the  said  date  the  persons  whose  names  are  entered  therein  were  registered  dentists,  registered 
dental hygienists or registered dental mechanics, as the case may be. 

46. Effect of registration.—(1) Any reference in any other law to a person recognised by law as a 

dentist shall be deemed to be a reference to a dentist registered under this Act. 

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
2. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 22 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
3. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 12. 
4. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”. 
5. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 23 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 

21 

 
                                                           
(2) No certificate required by or under any other law from a dentist shall be valid unless the person 

signing it is registered as a dentist under this Act. 

(3) After the expiry of 1[three years] from 2[the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32], a 
person who is not registered in Part A of the 3[State] register of dentists shall not, except with the sanction 
of 4[the Central Government or the State Government] hold any appointment as dentist in any dispensary, 
hospital or other institution 5*** which is supported wholly or partially from public or local funds: 

Provided  that  the  provisions  of  this  sub-section  shall  not  apply  to  any  such  person  who  is  holding 

such an appointment 6[immediately before the said date]. 

(4) After the expiry of two years from the publication of a register of dental hygienists in a  7[State], 
no  person  whose  name  is not  entered  in that  register  shall  hold  appointment  as  dental  hygienist in  any 
dispensary, hospital or other institution in the  7[State] which is supported wholly or partially from public 
or local funds. 

(5) Any person who is a registered dentist, registered dental hygienist or registered dental mechanic in 

a 7[State] may practise as such in any other 7[State].  

8[46A.Transfer  of  registration.—Where  a  dentist  registered  in  one  State  is  practising  dentistry  in 
another  State,  he  may,  on  payment  of  the  prescribed  fee  which  shall  not  exceed  the  renewal  fee  for 
registration in such other State, make an application in the prescribed form to the Council for the transfer 
of his name from the register of the State where he is registered to the register of the State in which he is 
practising dentistry, and on receipt of any such application, the Council shall, notwithstanding anything 
contained elsewhere in this Act, direct that the name of such person be removed from the first-mentioned 
register and entered in the register of the Second-mentioned State and the State Councils concerned shall 
comply with such directions: 

Provided  that  such  a  person  shall  be  required  to  produce  a  certificate  to  the  effect  that  all  dues  in 

respect of his registration in the former State have been paid: 

Provided further that where any such application for transfer is made by a dentist against whom any 
disciplinary  proceeding  is  pending  or  where  for  any  other  reason  it  appears  to  the  Council  that  the 
application  for  transfer  has  not  been  made  bona  fide  and  the  transfer  should  not  be  made,  the  Council 
may, after giving the dentist a reasonable opportunity of making a representation in this behalf, reject the 
application.] 

CHAPTER V 

MISCELLANEOUS 

47.  Penalty for falsely  claiming  to  be  registered.—If  any  person  whose  name  is  not  for  the  time 
being entered in a register falsely represents that it is so entered, or uses in connection with his name or 
title  any  words  or  letters  reasonably  calculated  to  suggest  that  his  name  is  so  entered,  he  shall  be 
punishable on first conviction with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, and on any subsequent 
conviction with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine not exceeding one thousand 
rupees or with both. 

48. Misuse of titles.—If any person,— 

(a) not being a person registered in a register of dentists, takes or uses the description of dental 

practitioner, dental surgeon, surgeon dentist, or dentist, or 

1. Subs. by Act 58 of 1950, s. 3, for “two years”. 
2. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 13, for “the commencement of this Act”. 
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 13, for “the State Government”. 
5. The words “in the State” omitted by s. 13, ibid. 
6. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for “at the commencement of this Act”. 
7. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”. 
8. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 24 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 

22 

 
                                                           
(b) not being a person whose name entered on a register of dental hygienists, takes or uses in a 

1[State] where such register has been published, the title of dental hygienist, or 

(c) not being a person whose name is entered on a register of dental mechanics, takes or uses in a 

1[State] where such register has been published, the title of dental mechanic, 2[or] 

2[(d)  not  possessing  a  recognised  dental  qualification,  uses  a  degree  or  a  diploma  or  an 

abbreviation indicating or implying a dental qualification,] 

he  shall  be punishable on first  conviction  with  fine which  may  extend to five hundred  rupees,  and  any 
subsequent,  conviction  with  imprisonment  which  may  extend  to  six  months  or with  fine  not  exceeding 
one thousand rupees or with both. 

49.  Practice  by  unregistered  persons.—(1)  After  the  expiry  of  3[three  years]  from  4[the  date 
appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32] in the case of dentists, and in the 5[States] where a register 
of dental hygienists or dental mechanics has been prepared under section 36 from such date as may be 
specified in this behalf by the  6[State] Government by notification in the Official Gazette, in the case of 
dental  hygienists  or  dental  mechanics,  no  person,  other  than  a  registered  dentist,  registered  dental 
hygienist or registered dental mechanic, shall practise dentistry, or the art of scaling, cleaning or polishing 
teeth, or of making or repairing dentures and dental appliances, as the case may be, or indicate in any way 
that he is prepared to so practise: 

Provided that the provisions of this section shall not apply to— 

(a) practice of dentistry by a registered medical practitioner; 

(b)  the  extraction  of  a  tooth  by  any  person  when the case  is  urgent and  no registered  dentist is 
available,  so  however  that  the  operation  is  performed  without  the  use  of  any  general  or  local 
anaesthetic; 

(c) the performance of dental work or radiographic work in any hospital or dispensary maintained 

or supported from public or local funds. 

(2)  If  any  person  contravenes  the  provisions  of  sub-section  (1),  he  shall  be  punishable  on  first 
conviction  with  fine  which  may  extend  to five  hundred  rupees,  and  on any  subsequent conviction  with 
imprisonment which may  extend to six months or with fine not exceeding one thousand rupees or with 
both. 

50. Failure to surrender certificate of registration.—If any person whose name has been removed 
from  a  register  fails  without  sufficient  cause  forthwith  to  surrender  his  certificate  of  registration  7[or 
certificate  of  renewal,  or  both],  he  shall  be  punishable  with  fine  which  may  extend  to  fifty  rupees  per 
month of such failure and in the case of a continuing offence with an additional fine which may extend to 
two rupees per day after the first day during which the offence continues.  

51.  Companies  not to  engage  in  dentistry.—(1)  Except  as  hereinafter provided,  the  profession  of 

dentistry shall not be carried on by a company or other corporate body. 

(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not apply to— 

(a) a company or other corporate body which carries on no business other than the profession of 
dentistry  or  some  business  ancillary  to the profession  of dentistry  and  of  which  the  majority  of  the 
directors and all the operating staff are registered dentists; 

(b) the carrying on of the profession of dentistry by employers who provide dental treatment for 

their employees by registered dentists otherwise than for profit; 

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”. 
2. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 14. 
3. Subs. by Act 58 of 1950, s. 3, for “two years” (retrospectively). 
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 15, for “the commencement of this Act”. 
5. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provinces”. 
6. Subs., ibid., for “Provincial”. 
7. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 25 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 

23 

 
                                                           
(c) the carrying on of the profession of dentistry by any hospital or dispensary or institution for 
the  training  of  dentists  or  dental  hygienists  or  by  any  local  authority  or  other  body  authorised  or 
required by law to provide dental treatment: 

Provided  that  any  company  or  other  corporate  body  carrying  on  the  profession  of  dentistry 
1[immediately before the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32] may continue so to do until 
the expiry of three years from such date. 

(3) if any person contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), he shall be punishable with fine which 
may  extend,  on  first  conviction  to  five  hundred  rupees,  or  on  any  subsequent  conviction  with  
imprisonment which may  extend to six months or with fine not exceeding one thousand rupees or with 
both. 

52. Cognizance of offences.—No court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this 

Act except upon complaint made by order of the 2[State] Government or the 2[State] Council. 

53. Payment of part of fees to Council.—The 2[State] Council shall before the end of June in each 
year pay to the Council a sum equivalent to one-fourth of the total fees realised by the  2[State] Council 
under this Act during the period of twelve months ending on the 31st day of March of that year. 

3[53A.Accounts and audit.—(1) The Council shall maintain appropriate accounts and other relevant 
records and prepare an annual statement of accounts including the balance-sheet, in accordance with such 
general directions as may be issued and in such form as may be specified by the Central Government in 
consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. 

(2) The accounts of the Council shall be audited annually by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of 
India or any person appointed by him in this behalf and any expenditure incurred by him or any person so 
appointed in connection with such audit shall be payable by the Council to the Comptroller and Auditor-
General of India. 

(3)  The  Comptroller  and  Auditor-General  of  India  and  any  person  appointed  by  him  in  connection 
with the audit of the accounts of the Council shall have the same rights and privileges and authority in 
connection with such audit as the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India has in connection with the 
audit of Government accounts, and in particular, shall have the right to demand the production of books 
of accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and papers and to inspect the office of the Council. 

(4) The accounts of the Council as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or any 
person appointed by him in this behalf, together with the audit report thereon, shall be forwarded annually 
to the Central Government. 

(5) A copy of the accounts of the Council as so certified together with the audit report thereon shall be 

forwarded simultaneously to the Council.] 

54. Appointment of Commission of Enquiry.—(1) Whenever it appears to the Central Government 
that  the  Council is  not  complying  with  any  of  the  provisions  of this  Act, the Central  Government  may 
appoint  a  Commission  of  Enquiry  consisting  of  three  persons,  two  of  whom  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Central  Government,  one being  the Judge  of  a  High  Court,  and  one  by  the  Council;  and  refer to  it  the 
matters on which the enquiry is to be made. 

(2)  The  Commission  shall  proceed  to  enquire  in  a  summary  manner  and  report  to  the  Central 
Government on the matters referred to it together with such remedies, if any, as the Commission may like 
to recommend. 

(3)  The  Central  Government  may  accept  the  report  or  remit  the  same  to  the  Commission  for 

modification or reconsideration. 

(4) After the report is finally accepted, the Central Government may order the Council to adopt the 
remedies so recommended within such time as may be specified in the order and if the Council fails to 

1. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 16, for “at the date of the commencement of this Act”. 
2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
3. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 26 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 

24 

 
                                                           
comply within the time so specified, the Central Government may pass such order or take such action as 
may be necessary to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission. 

(5) Whenever it appears to the  1[State] Government that the  1[State] Council is not complying with 
any of the provisions of this Act, the 1[State] Government may likewise appoint a similar Commission of 
Enquiry in respect of the 1[State] Council to make enquiry in like manner and pass such order or take such 
action as specified in sub-sections (3) and (4). 

55. Power to make rules.—(1) The 1[State] Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, 

make rules to carry out the purposes of Chapters III, IV and V. 

(2)  In  particular  and  without  prejudice  to  the  generality  of  the  foregoing  power,  such  rules  may 

provide for— 

(a) the management of the property of the  1[State] Council, and the maintenance and audit of its 

accounts; 

(b) the manner in which elections under Chapter III shall be conducted; 
(c) the summoning and holding of meetings of the 1[State] Council, the times and places at which 
such meetings shall be held, the conduct of business thereat and the number of members necessary to 
form a quorum; 

(d) the powers and duties of the President and Vice-President of the 1[State] Council; 

(e)  the  constitution  and  functions  of  the  Executive  Committee,  the  summoning  and  holding  of 
meetings thereof, the times and places at which such meetings shall be held, the number of members 
necessary to constitute a quorum; 

(f) the term of office and the powers and duties of the Registrar and other officers and servants of 

the 1[State] Council, including the amount and nature of the security to be given by the Treasurer; 

(g)  the  particulars  to  be  stated,  and  the  proof  of  qualifications  to  be  given  in  applications  for 

registration under this Act;  

2[(gg) the form of application for transfer of registration from one State to another;] 
3[(h) the charge for supplying printed copies of the registers, and the fees payable for— 

(i) registration or renewal of registration; 

(ii) supplying a duplicate certificate of registration or renewal; and 

(iii) transfer of registration from one State to another; 

(i) the forms of certificates of registration and renewal;] 

(j)  any  other  matter  which  is  to  be  or  may  be  prescribed  under  Chapters  III,  IV  and  V,  except  

sub-sections (1), (2), (3) and (4) of section 54. 

4[(3) Every rule made by the State Government under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be 

after it is made, before the State Legislature.]  

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”. 
2. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 27 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
3. Subs. by s. 27, ibid., for clauses (h) and (i) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972). 
4. Ins. by Act 4 of 1986, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 15-5-1986). 

25 

 
 
 
                                                           
1THE SCHEDULE 

PART I  

[See sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 10] 

Recognised Dental Qualifications granted by the Authorities or Institutions in India  

Authority or Institution 

Recognised dental qualification 

Abbreviation for registration 

1 

2 

1. Board of Examiners Calcutta 
Dental College and Hospital, 
Calcutta 

Licentiate in Dental Science—  
if granted before the 1st day of May, 
1941. 

3 
L.D.Sc Calcutta. 

2. State Medical Faculty,   

Bengal, Calcutta 

3. City Dental College and 

Hospital, Calcutta. 

L.D.S (S.M.F.) Bengal. 

L.D.Sc.(C.D.C.) Calcutta. 

Licentiate in Dental Science—if 
granted after the 30th day of April, 
1941. 

Licentiate in Dental Science— if 
granted before the 31st day of March, 
1940, to any person who— 
(i) had undergone two years’ course of 
training in that institution; or 
(ii) having been previously engaged in 
practice as a dentist or a medical 
practitioner, had undergone one 
year's course of training in that 
institution. 

4. University of Mumbai 

(i)  Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S. Mumbai. 

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery 

—Prosthetic Dentistry 

—Periodontia 

—Oral Surgery 
—Orthodontia 
—Dental Radiology 

—Operative Dentistry 

—Dental Pathology and 

Bacteriology 

5. College of Physicians and 

Licentiate in Dental Science 

Surgeons, Mumbai 

M.D.S. (Pros.), Mumbai. 

M.D.S. (Perio.), Mumbai. 
M.D.S. (Oral Surgery), Mumbai. 

M.D.S (Ortho.) Mumbai. 
M.D.S (Oral Medicine, Diagnosis 
and Radiology) Mumbai. 
M.D.S (Operative) Bombay. 

M.D.S (Oral Pathology and 
Microbiology), Mumbai. 
L.D.S. (C.P.S.) Mumbai. 

6. Nair Hospital, Dental Board, 

Licentiate in Denial Science 

L.D.Sc.(Nair) Mumbai. 

Mumbai 

7. East Punjab University 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery— 

B.D.S.(East Punjab). 

8. Lucknow University 

(i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Lucknow. 

— If granted during the year 1948. 

1.  The  Schedule  as  amended  from  time  to  time  has  been  reproduced  here.  As  the  notifications  are  innumerable,  their  Gazette 
references have not been included in this footnote.  

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
1 

2 

3 

9. Chennai University 

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery 
— Prosthodontics 

— Periodontics 
— Orthodontics 
— Oral Surgery 
— Pedodontia and Preventive 

Dentistry 

(i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
(ii) Master of Dental Surgery 

Oral Surgery 
Periodontology 
Operative Dentistry 

Orthodontia 

M.D.S (Pros.) Lucknow. 

M.D.S (Perio.) Lucknow. 
M.D.S (Ortho.) Lucknow. 
M.D.S (Oral Surgery) Lucknow. 
M.D.S (Pedo.) Lucknow. 

B.D.S Chennai. 

M.D.S (Oral Surgery) Chennai. 
M.D.S(Perio) Chennai. 
M.D.S(Operative) Chennai. 

M.D.S (Ortho) Chennai. 

10. Calcutta University 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Calcutta. 

11. Punjab University 

(i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Punjab 

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery 

M.D.S (Pedo.) Punjab. 

—Pedodontia and Preventive Dentistry 

—Dental Prosthesis and Crown and 

M.D.S (Pros.) Punjab. 

Bridge Work 

—If granted before 31st December, 

1970. 

(iii) Pedodontia and Preventive 

M.D.S (Pedo.), PGIMER. 

Dentistry: 

— If granted on or after May, 1980. 
Further modified to read as under vide 
Govt. of India MOH & FW (Deptt. Of 
Health’s Notificaton No. V-
12017/6/83-PMS, dated 27-8-1984). 
@—if granted in or after 1978. 
Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

12. Punjab University 

13. Osmania University 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Punjab. 

B.D.S Osmania. 

14. Kerala University 

(i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Kerala. 

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery 

— Operative Dentistry 

M.D.S (Operative) Kerala. 

— Prosthetic Dentistry 

M.D.S (Pros.) Kerala. 

15. Mysore University 

— Periodontia 

— Orthodontia 

(i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
(ii) Master of Dental Surgery 
—Operative Dentistry 

—Orthodontia 

27 

M.D.S (Perio.) Kerala. 

M.D.S (Ortho.) Kerala. 

B.D.S Mysore. 

*M.D.S (Operative) Mysore. 
(This  qualification 
shall  be 
recognised  only  when  granted 
before 12-9-1973). 
M.D.S (Ortho.) Mysore. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 

—Periodontia 

2 

3 

M.D.S(Perio.) Mysore. 

16. Patna University 

(i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Patna. 

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery 

 M.D.S (Prosthetic Dentistry) Patna. 

(Prosthetic Dentistry) 

17. Bangalore University 

(i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Bangalore. 

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery 
(Orthodontics) 

—Oral Surgery 

—Periodontia 

—Public Health Dentistry 

 M.D.S (Ortho.) Bangalore. 

M.D.S (Oral Surgery) Bangalore. 

M.D.S (Perio.) Bangalore. 

M.D.S (Public Health Dentistry), 
Bangalore. 

—Oral Diagnosis and Dental Radiology  M.D.S (Oral Diagnosis and Dental 

Radiology) Bangalore. 

18. Indore University 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Indore. 

19. Gujarat University 

(i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Gujarat. 

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery 

— Prosthetic Dentistry 

— Periodontia 

M.D.S (Pros.) Gujarat. 

M.D.S (Perio.) Gujarat. 

—Oral Pathology and Bacteriology  

M.D.S (Oral Path & Bart) Gujarat. 

— Oral Diagnosis and Dental Radiology  M.D.S (Oral Diag & Radiology) 

Gujarat. 

— Operative Dentistry 

M.D.S (Operative) Gujarat. 

— Oral Surgery 

— Orthodontia 

M.D.S (Oral Surgery) Gujarat. 

M.D.S (Ortho.) Gujarat. 

20. Guru Nanak University 

(i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Guru Nanak. 

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery 

— Pedodontia and Preventive 

M.D.S (Pedo.) Guru Nanak. 

Dentistry 

—Dental Prosthesis and Crown and 

M.D.S (Pros.) Guru Nanak. 

Bridge Work 

21. Nagpur University 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S., Nagpur. 

22. Mangalore University 

Master of Dental Surgery  

— Oral Surgery 

— Periodontics 

—Prosthetic Dentistry 

M.D.S (Oral Surgery) Mangalore. 

M.D.S (Periodontics) Mangalore. 

M.D.S (Prosthetic Dentistry), 
Mangalore. 

28 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
1 

2 

3 

—Orthodontia 

M.D.S. (Orthodontia), Mangalore. 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

M.D.S., Mangalore. 

23. Banaras Hindu University   Master of Dental Surgery 

24. Annamalai University 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S Annamalai. 

— Operative Dentistry 

M.D.S (Operative Dentistry) 
Varanasi. 

PART II 

[See sub-section (3) of section 10] 

Recognised Dental Qualifications for the purposes of registration when the register is first prepared 

Authority or Institution 

Recognised dental qualification 

1 

2 

Abbreviation for 
registration 
3 

1. The University of Vienna (Austria) 

Post-graduate Certificate of Dentistry   Z.D.S (Vienna).  

2. The Tulane University of Louisiana 
(U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery  

D.D.S (Louisiana) 
(U.S.A.).  

3. Dusseldorf (Germany) 

Zahnarzt Diploma  

— 

PART III 

[See sub-section (4) of section 10] 

Recognised Dental Qualifications granted by Authorities or Institutions outside India only when 
granted to a citizen of India 

Authority or Institution 

Recognised dental qualification  Abbreviation for registration 

1 

2 

1. The University of Punjab Lahore 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 

3 

B.D.S., Lahore. 

— if granted before the 15th 
day  of August, 1947. 

M.D.S., Lahore. 

2. The Punjab State Medical Faculty, 

Licentiate in Dental Science 

L.D.Sc (S.M.F.), Lahore 

Lahore 

— if granted before the 15th 
day of August, 1947 

3. The Board of Examiners, College of 

Licentiate in Dental Science 

L.D.Sc., Karachi. 

Dentistry, Karachi 

— if granted before the 31st 
day of December, 1943. 

29 

 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
1 

2 

3 

4. The Royal College of Surgeons, 

England (U.K.) 

Licentiate in Dental Surgery 
Fellowship in Dental Surgery 
 Diploma in Orthodontic 

L.D.S.R.C.S., Eng. 
F.D.S.R.C.S., Eng. 
D.Orth.R.C.S., Eng. 

5. The Royal College of Surgeon, 

Edinburgh (U.K.) 

Licentiate in Dental Surgery 
Fellow in Dental Surgery 

L.D.S.R.C.S., Edin. 
F.D.S.R.C.S., Edin. 

6. Royal College of Physicians and 

Surgeons of Glasgow/Royal Faculty 
of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow 
(U.K.) 

7. The Royal College of Surgeons, 

Ireland. 

8. The University of Newcastle Upon 
Tyne/The University of Durham, 
Newcastle Upon Tyne (U.K.) 

Licence in Dental Surgery 
Diploma in Orthopaedics 
Fellowship in Dental Surgery 
*Higher Dental Diplomate 
*Granted only up to 1965. 

Licence in Dental Surgery 
Fellowship of the Faculty of 
Dentistry 

*Licence in Dental Surgery 
Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 
Doctor of Dental Science 
*abolished from 1962. 

L.D.S.R.C.P.S.G. 
D.D.O.R.C.P.S.G. 
F.D.S.R.C.P.S.G. 
H.D.D. 

L.D.S.R.C.S Irel. 
F.F.D.R.C.S Irel. 

L.D.S Dunelm. 
B.D.S. Newcastle / Dunelm. 
M.D.S. Newcastle / Dunelm. 
D.D.S Newcastle / Dunelm. 

9. The University of London (U.K) 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science (Dentistry) 

B.D.S., London. 
M.D.S., London. 
M.Sc., London. 

10. The University of Manchester 

(U.K.) 

11. The University of Birmingham 

(U.K.) 

12. The University of Liverpool (U.K.) 

13. The University of Leeds (U.K.) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 
Bachelor of Dental surgery 
Licentiate in Dental Surgery 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 
* Licence of Dental Surgery 
* abolished from 1950. 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 
Doctor of Philosophy 
* Licence in Dental Surgery 
*—Abolished in 1953. 

Bachelor or Dental Surgery 
Diploma in Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 

D.D.S., (U.Manc.) 
M.D S., (U.Manc.) 
B.D.S.(U Manc.) 
L.D.S.(U Manc.) 

B.D.S Birmingham. 
M.D.S Birmingham. 
L.D.S Birmingham. 

B.D.S Liverpool. 
M.D.S Liverpool. 
Ph.D Liverpool. 
L.D.S Liverpool. 

B.Ch.D.U., Leeds. 
L.D.S.U., Leeds. 
M.Ch.D.U., Leeds. 

30 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
1 

2 

14. The University of Sheffield (U.K.) 

15. The University of Bristol (U.K.) 

16. The University of 

Dundee/University of St. 
Andrews, Dundee (U.K.) 

Bachelor or Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 
Licentiate in Dental Surgery 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
Diploma in Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 
Doctor or Dental Sciences 
Diploma in Public Dentistry 
* Diploma in Dental Surgery 
*—abolished in 1950. 

3 

B.D.S.U., Sheff. 
M.D.S.U., Sheff. 
L.D.S.U., Sheff. 

B.D.S.U., Brist. 
L.D.S.U., Brist. 
M.D.S.U., Brist. 

B.D.S.U., Dundee/St And. 
 M.D.S.U., Dundee/St And 
D.D.Sc.U., Dundee/St.And 
D.P.D.U., Dundee/St And 
L.D.S.U., St And. 

17. The Queen's University of Belfast 

(U.K.) 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 
*Licentiate in Dental Surgery 

B.D.S., Q.U.Belf. 
M.D.S., Q.U.Belf. 
L.D.S., Q.U. Belf. 

*— abolished. 

18. The National University of Ireland, 

Dublin  

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S., N.U.Irel. 
M.D.S., N.U.Irel. 

19. The Emory University Atlanta 

(U.S.A.) Atlanta/Southern Dental 
College, Atlanta, Georgia(U.S.A.)  

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science in Dentistry 

D.D.S., Atlanta  
M.S.D., Atlanta 

20. University of Illinois, Chicago 

(U.S.A.)  

Degree of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science 

D.D.S.,Illinois 
M.S.,Illinois 

21. Lyola University, Chicago (U.S.A.)  Doctor of Dental Surgery 

Master of Science in Oral Biology 

D.D.S., Lyola 
M.S., Lyola. 

22. North Western University, Chicago, 

Illinois (U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science 
*Master of Science in Dentistry 
*—discontinued in 1959. 

D.D.S., North-Western 
M.S., North-Western 
M.S.D., North-Western 

23. Indiana University, Indianapolis, 

Indiana (U.S.A.)  

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science in Dentistry 

D.D.S., Indiana 
M.S.D., Indiana 

24. College of Dentistry, University of 

Jowa City, Iowa (U.S.A.)  

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science 

D.D.S., Iowa 
M.S., Iowa 

25. Harvard University Boston, 
Massachusetts (U.S.A.)  

Doctor of Dental Medicine 

D.M.D., Harvard. 

26. University of Nebraska 

Omaha, Nebraska (U.S.A.)  

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science in Dentistry 

D.D.S., Nebraska 
M.S.D., Nebraska 

27. Columbia University, New York 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 

D.D.S., Columbia 

City (U.S.A.)  

31 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
1 

2 

3 

28. University of Pennsylvania, 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (U.S.A.) 

*Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Doctor of Dental Medicine 
*—abolished in 1964 

D.D.S., Penn. 
D.M.D., Penn. 

29. The University of Texas at Houston, 

Doctor of Dental Surgery  D.D.S., Texas. 

Texas Dental College, Houston (U.S.A.) 

30. University of Minnesota (U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science in 
Dentistry 
Doctor of Philosophy 

D.D.S., Minnesota. 
M.S.D., Minnesota. 
PhD., Minnesota. 

31. Saint Louis University, Missouri (U.S.A)  Doctor of Dental Surgery  D.D.S., St.Louis. 

32. University of Michigan (U.S.A)  

33. Tufts University, Tufts College, Boston 

(U.S.A.) 

34. The University of Toronto, Ontario 

(Canada) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science 
Doctor of Philosophy 

D.D.S., Michigan. 
M.S., Michigan. 
Ph.D., Michigan. 

Doctor of Dental Medicine 
Master of Science 
Master of Dental Science 
Doctor of Philosophy 

D.M.D., Tufts. 
M.S., Tufts. 
M.D.S., Tufts. 
Ph.D., Tufts. 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Diploma in Dental Public 
Health 
Diploma in Oral Surgery 
and Anaesthesia 
Diploma in Paedodontics 
Diploma in Orthodontics 
Diploma in Periodontics 
Bachelor of Science in 
Dentistry 
Master of Science in 
Dentistry 
Doctor of Philosophy 

D.D.S., Toronto. 
D.D.P.H., Toronto. 
Dip Oral Surg., Toronto. 
Dip Paedodont., Toronto. 
Dip Orthodont., Toronto. 
Dip Periodont., Toronto. 
B.Sc D., Toronto. 
M.Sc D., Toronto. 
Ph.D., Toronto. 

35. McGill University, Montreal (Canada) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery  D.D.S., McGill. 

36. Deutsche Zahnaerztliche Universitaets 

Diploma 

Institute, Munich (Germany) 

37. Deutsche Zahnaerztliche Universitaets 

Diploma 

 - 

 - 

Institute, Munich (Germany) 

38. Ecole Dentaire de Paris, Paris 

Chirugien Dentiste 
(Diploma of Dental 
Surgeon) 

D.E.D.P., Paris. 

39. Ecole Dentaire Francaise, Paris 

Diploma of Dental Surgeon D.E.D.F., Paris. 

40. American Dental College, Karachi 

Licentiate in Dental Science 
—if granted on or before 
the 31st December, 1936. 

L.D.Sc., Karachi. 

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2 

3 

41. The Faculty of Medicine, University of 

Vienna (Austria) 

42. University of Berlin (Germany) 

 - 

The qualification of dental 
specialist granted by the 
Faculty of Medicine, 
University of Vienna, after 
two years’ course in 
dentistry prior to which the 
M.D. 
Degree of that University 
has been obtained. 

- 
Zahnaerzt Diploma 
Doctor Medicinac Dentariae 

43. University of Freiburg (Germany) 

Zahnaerzt Diploma 

Dr. Med. Dent. 

44. University of Frankfurt (Germany) 

Doctor Medicine Dentariae  Dr.Med.Dent. 

45. Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, 
University of Maryland (U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science 

D.O.S., Maryland. 
M.S., Maryland. 

46. University of Rostock (Germany) 

Doctor Medicinae Dentariae Dr.Med.Dent. 

47. University of Detroit (U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science 

D.D.S. Detroit. 
M.S. Detroit. 

48. University of Rochester (U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Philosophy 

Ph.D., Rochester. 

49. University of Edinburgh (U.K.) 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery  B.D.S., Edin. 

50. Punjab Dental College/Dental and Optical 

College, Lahore (Now defunct) 

51. Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 

Tokyo (Japan)  

*Licentiate of Dental 
Science Diploma 
*Bachelor of Dental 
Science Diploma 

*—if granted on or 
before the 14th August, 
1947. 

Dr. of Medical Science 
— Operative Dentistry 

L.D.Sc., Lahore. 

B.D.Sc., Lahore. 

D.M.Sc., Igakuhakushi. 

52. University of New Zealand, Wellington, 

Master of Dental Surgery  M.D.S., New Zealand. 

(New Zealand) 

53. Ecole de Chirugie Dentarire de 
Stomatologie de Paris (France) 

Diploma 

DP.CD & S., Paris. 

54. University of Sydney, Sydney (Australia)   Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

55. Georgetown University, Washington 

(U.S.A.)  

Master of Dental Surgery 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Surgery in 
Pedodontia 

56. University of Alabama, Alabama (U.S.A.)  Doctor of Dental Surgery 

Master of Science in 
Dentistry 

B.D.S., Sydney. 
B.D.S., Sydney. 

D.D.S., Georgetown. 
M.S (Pedo.) Georgetown. 

D.D.S., Alabama. 
M.S.D., Alabama. 

57. University of Otago, Dunedin C.I. 

Master of Dental Surgery  M.D.S., Otago. 

(New Zealand) 

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2 

3 

58. Marquette University 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 
(U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science 

D.D.S., Marquette. 
M.S., Marquette. 

59. New York (University, New 

York (U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science in Dentistry 

60. University of Californiam 
San Francisco (U.S.A.) 

61. University of Missouri at 
Kansas City, Missouri 
(U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science 

D.D.S., N.Y. 
M.S.D .,N.Y. 

D.D.S., Calif. 
M.S., Calif. 

D.D.S., Missouri. 
M.S., Missouri. 

62. Washington University, St. 
Louis, Missouri (U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Dental Surgery 
Master of Science 

D.D.S., Washington. 
M.S., Washington. 

63. University of Malaya 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S., Malaya. 

Singapore 

64. University of Pittsburg, 
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania 
(U.S.A.) 

Master of Science in Dentistry 
(Pedodontics) 

M.S.D (Pedo.), Pittsburg. 

65. University of Alabama in 
Birmingham (U.S.A.) 

Master of Science Degree in 
Pathology (Oral Pathology) 

M.S.D. (Oral Path.) Birmingham. 

66. Karolinska Institute School of 

Doctor of Odontology 

Dr Odont., Karolinska. 

Dentistry, Stockhom 
(Sweden) 

67. Westphalia Wilhems 
University Munstor 
(Germany) 

68. University of Queensland 

(Australia) 

69. Boston, University, Boston, 
Massachusetts (U.S.A.) 

Doctor of Dental Medicine 

Dr.Med. Dent., Westphalia 
Wilhems. 

Master of Dental Science 
—Oral Biology (Oral Histology 
and Oral Pathology) 

M.D.Sc. (Oral Bio., Oral Histo. 
and Oral Path.) Queensland. 

Master of Science—Orthodontics  M.Sc.D.Orth., Boston. 

70. Georgetown University, 

Master of Science (Orthodontics)  M.S (Ortho.), Georgetown. 

Washington DC (U.S.A.) 

71. Moscow Medical 

Diploma in Stomatology 

Dip.Stom., (Moscow). 

Stomatological Institute, 
Moscow (U.S.S.R.) 

72. Dhaka University, Dhaka 

Bachelor of Dental Surgery 

B.D.S., Dhaka. 

(Bangladesh) 

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